Around the Peninsula

Posted: Sunday, July 03, 2005

Reminder: Fireworks are illegal

The United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service reminds Kenai Peninsula residents that fireworks are illegal within the Chugach National Forest, and elsewhere on the peninsula. Citations will be issued and penalties include fines up to $500 and-or jail time.

Campfires are allowed in pre-existing fire rings and in established campgrounds and recreational areas. The Forest Service encourages campers to use caution and extinguish fires with water and feel for heat by using the back of the hand.

Senior celebration set

Laurawood Arms, a senior citizen housing complex in Soldotna, will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a picnic from 1 to 4 p.m. today at 131 Shady Lane. For more information, call Mavis Lancaster at 262-4591 or Rosie Reeder at 262-2908.

God and Country Rally slated

The annual God and Country Rally will begin at 6 p.m. today at the Soldotna High School auditorium.

Invited guests include Lt. Governor Loren Leman, Elmendorf Air Force chaplain Matt Boyd, 30 Air Force personnel and keynote speaker Lee Williams. Williams is a nationally renowned speaker, Vietnam War veteran and Army retiree. He will speak about the loss of his wife and two daughters in a drunk driving tragedy. His message is one of hope and recovery.

The service also will feature special patriotic singing, posting of the colors, service anthems and soloist Sherri Morris. There is no cost, however an offering to support the rally will be taken.

Public health plans one-day closure

The Kenai Public Heath Center will be closed Monday in observance of Independence Day.

Nutrition classes continue

The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank is hosting a series of nutrition classes titled "Harvesting for your Health" on Tuesdays at the food bank. The session ends Aug. 2. Colleen Sonnevil of the Cooperative Extension Services office will instruct on how to harvest area plants and fish. Attendance at all classes is not required. For more information, call 262-3111 or e-mail kpfoodbanked@acsalaska.net.

Swim lessons available

Kenai Central High School pool will hold group learn-to-swim lessons. Session dates are as follows: session four  July 11-22; and session five  July 25-Aug. 5. The cost is $40 per student, per session. For complete information or to register for swim lessons, call 283-7476.

Writers sought

The Soldotna Public Library is sponsoring a writing contest in conjunction with its summer reading program "Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds." Children ages 7 to 18 are encouraged to participate. A T-shirt will be awarded to a winner from three age categories. For complete guidelines, stop by the library of call 262-4227. The deadline for entries is 8 p.m. July 13.

River Quest land owners meeting set

The Kenai River Center will host an informational meeting for River Quest property owners at 1 p.m. Friday. The meeting will be held at the River Quest office. This meeting is intended to familiarize River Quest property owners with the requirements for building and living along the Kenai River. Topics will be construction (allowable types and deadlines), setback requirements, base flood elevation, walkways and floating docks. There will be an opportunity for questions.

Representatives from the Kenai Peninsula Borough planning department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska State Parks and the DNR Office of Habitat Management and Permitting are expected to attend. Rob Nash, River Quest Subdivision developer, also will attend. For more information, call the Kenai River Center at (907) 260-4882.